I honestly find hard enjoy temples and shrines with a multitude of tourist, and today was no exception. Actually it was harder because it was freezing and in my opinion the temples were nothing special. I also didn’t like that you have to pay a lot for everything, there were stall selling in every site, while in many you were forbidden to take pictures.

Having said that, the mountain region around Nikko is beautiful and I’m really happy I am spending the night here in Nikko Park Lodge and not came just as a day trip from Tokyo (2hr on Tobu train) like most of the people does.

I also enjoyed my first visit in a onsen, the natural hot spring. It was a very small one, but a nice one.

And back to temples, two places are absolutely gorgeous: Kanmangafuchi Abyss, the trail with jizo protector statues (the first 3 pictures) and Taiyuin-byō.

Some links and enjoy the gallery
Il santuario di Nikko
Nikko, Japan guide
Nikko travel guide